Italy's innovative Digital Nomad Visa beckons individuals from around the globe to embrace a flexible lifestyle while working remotely against the backdrop of the country's rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. This visa initiative opens doors for professionals seeking a harmonious blend of work and leisure in the heart of Italy.
Does Italy have digital nomad visa?
In late March 2022, the Italian government announced and approved a bill regarding the Digital Nomad Visa. However, the official launch has yet to take place, with no Italian consulate worldwide currently processing this type of visa.
When will Italy digital nomad visa be available?
According to reports, the program's commencement may occur in 2024.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa extends a warm welcome to non-European Union (EU) professionals who have embraced the remote work lifestyle, presenting them with an enticing opportunity to establish virtual offices within the country. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Non-EU/EEA Citizenship: The visa primarily targets individuals from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries are eligible to apply for the digital visa.
- Highly Qualified Work Activities: Eligible applicants for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa are expected to engage in highly qualified work activities, requiring specialized skills, expertise, or qualifications. This encompasses various professions such as IT specialists, software developers, designers, writers, and consultants.
- Digital Remote Professionals: The visa caters specifically to professionals capable of remote work, leveraging the internet and technological tools to perform their duties. This criterion acknowledges the evolving nature of work, allowing tasks to be carried out from anywhere with a stable internet connection and necessary digital resources.
- Self-employed or Employed Outside Italy: The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is inclusive, welcoming both self-employed professionals and those employed by companies, including those registered outside of Italy. This inclusivity accommodates individuals running their own businesses, freelancers, and employees working for foreign companies.
- Medical Insurance: To ensure the well-being and safety of digital nomads in Italy, visa applicants must possess adequate medical insurance coverage. This insurance should cover their stay in Italy, offering comprehensive protection for medical emergencies, illnesses, accidents, and unforeseen healthcare expenses.
Digital nomad visa in Italy: requirements
Embarking on your journey as a digital nomad in Italy is a thrilling adventure, accompanied by a set of prerequisites and guidelines that demand careful attention. Here's a comprehensive overview of everything you need:
Official List of Documents for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa:
- Tax Compliance in Italy: A fundamental requirement for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa is adherence to Italian tax laws. Ensuring tax compliance not only facilitates a smooth stay in Italy but also contributes to the country's economy and your overall peace of mind.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Another crucial prerequisite is having comprehensive health insurance that covers your entire stay. This insurance should extend coverage to medical emergencies, illnesses, accidents, and any unforeseen healthcare expenses that may arise during your time in the country.
- Bonus Benefit: Exemption from Nulla Osta: A notable advantage of the Italian Digital Nomad Visa is the exemption from obtaining the "Nulla Osta" document, typically a mandatory work authorization for non-EU nationals. This exemption streamlines the application process, eliminating a significant bureaucratic hurdle and offering a more straightforward path for digital nomads to work as residents in Italy.
Official List of Documents for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for a considerable period beyond your intended stay, typically at least six months.
- Visa Application Form: Complete the standardized application form provided by the Italian Consulate or Embassy, providing accurate personal information, travel plans, and the purpose of your visit as a digital nomad.
- Two Passport-Size Photographs: Submit two recently colored passport-size photographs, typically 35 by 45mm, for identification purposes.
- Work Contract with a Company Registered Outside Italy: A vital requirement is a valid work contract or agreement with a company registered outside Italy, proving a legitimate source of income during your stay.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have adequate financial means to support yourself, typically by providing evidence of a steady income stream through bank statements or financial statements from the previous year.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Ensure safety and security by providing a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or recent residence, attesting to the absence of criminal convictions or serious offenses.
- Proof of Accommodation: Supply documentation, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking, to confirm your accommodation in Italy, essential for the government to verify your residence during your stay and establish your itinerary.
Digital nomad visa in Italy: requirements for income
Prospective applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum annual gross income of at least €8,500 earned in the year preceding the submission of their Italy Digital Nomad Visa application.
How to apply for Italy digital nomad visa?
Below is a general example of how one might apply for a Digital Nomad Visa:
- Check Eligibility
- Prepare Required Documents
- Submit Application
- Wait for Processing
- Visa Approval
- Travel to Italy
- Register with Local Authorities
Digital nomad visa in Italy: fees and processing time
The processing period for the visa application may extend up to 120 days from the date of submission. Typically, the fees associated with visas for individuals entering Italy are €116. For those seeking residence permits, the charges vary based on the duration of stay. Specifically, it is €40 for stays lasting between 3 and 12 months, €50 for durations spanning 12 to 24 months, and €100 for long-term residence permits, highly skilled workers, and intra-corporate transferees.
Furthermore, there are additional expenses such as €30 for the postal kit delivery, €16 for the tax stamp, and €30.46 for issuance costs.
Furthermore, there are additional expenses such as €30 for the postal kit delivery, €16 for the tax stamp, and €30.46 for issuance costs.
Italy digital nomad visa: tax
Italy offers two tax regimes that can be applicable to digital nomads:
Regime Forfettario:
Impatriates Regime:
Both regimes include contributions towards the public healthcare service. However, it is common for individuals to be required to pay for private healthcare. Therefore, obtaining private healthcare insurance is recommended in addition to the public contributions.
Regime Forfettario:
- A flat 5% tax rate applies for the first five years.
- Tax is levied on a percentage (usually 78%) of gross billings.
- Applicable to self-employed individuals earning up to Euro 65,000 per year.
Impatriates Regime:
- Provides a 70%/90% exemption when calculating earned income subject to tax.
- This relief is available for both employed and self-employed individuals.
Both regimes include contributions towards the public healthcare service. However, it is common for individuals to be required to pay for private healthcare. Therefore, obtaining private healthcare insurance is recommended in addition to the public contributions.
Renewing digital nomad visa in Italy
It is possible to extend the digital nomad visa in Italy. To do so, you must successfully navigate the bureaucratic procedures in Italy and continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes maintaining a comprehensive health insurance plan, ensuring sufficient economic funds, having a clean criminal record, and fulfilling remote work requirements.
To extend the visa, the application process should be initiated at the local immigration office in Italy before the expiration of your digital nomad visa.
To extend the visa, the application process should be initiated at the local immigration office in Italy before the expiration of your digital nomad visa.
What if I’m not eligible for Italy digital nomad visa as a digital nomad?
If you don't qualify for the Italy digital nomad visa, alternative options for short-term stays are available through the "Uniform Schengen Visa" (USV). This visa, issued by Italian representations abroad, permits transit or short stays of up to 90 days not only in Italy but also in other Schengen Convention countries. Likewise, USVs issued by diplomatic-consular representations of other Schengen Convention countries allow access to Italy.
For those seeking an extended stay (more than 90 days), an "National Visa" (NV) can be pursued. This visa grants access for a prolonged period in the issuing country and allows free circulation for up to 90 days per semester in the territories of other Schengen Member States, provided it remains valid.
For those seeking an extended stay (more than 90 days), an "National Visa" (NV) can be pursued. This visa grants access for a prolonged period in the issuing country and allows free circulation for up to 90 days per semester in the territories of other Schengen Member States, provided it remains valid.
Digital nomad visa in Italy on Reddit
Bill from Brno says: "As a digital nomad, obtaining a visa for Italy has opened up a world of possibilities for me. The country's introduction of a digital nomad visa reflects its recognition of the evolving nature of work, allowing individuals like myself to live and work remotely while enjoying the rich culture and picturesque landscapes that Italy has to offer. This visa not only facilitates my professional endeavors but also provides a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian way of life, fostering a perfect blend of work and leisure in one of the most enchanting countries in the world."
